'85 Kruger is indeed up there, but I have had equally great Champagnes from many other producers. '85 Bolly RD, '90 Salon, as well as some small grower wines such as Pierre Peters and Vilmart have been truly great.

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I'm in the impossible to choose. I've had some stunning older Champagnes, but '96 though young is my favorite vintage ever- the Pierre Peters Speciale, the Winston Churchill, the Taittinger Comtes all make me swoon/ For rose, maybe the 89 Billecart-Salmon Elizabeth.

As a wine writer, I've had the good fortune to get a taste out of some spectacular bottles at wineries, interviews and tastings. A Krug vertical. A sip of Bollinger's special cuvee made from the tiny pre-phylloxera patch on the estate. Both verticals and horizontals at Dom Perignon. Lots of individual or small-group visits with wine makers, both the majors and farmer fizz. All memorable, but also somewhat clinical.

Probably the best Champagne memories aren't about the wine but about the occasion and the people I shared them with. But that's another story for another day.

Not much of a bubbly fan but I do recognize the greatness in Salon, Krug and some Bollinger and Selosse. The best one? For sure a Salon or Clos du Mesnil, probably the 1985 of the latter or the 1988 of the former.

Interesting. Almost everyone seems to be going after that rich yeast autolysis. Indeed, I had had many an excellent bottle of Bollinger RD and Krug. Yet the most enjoyable Champagnes I've had were Dom Ruinart, probably the '71 having been the best of the bunch (other vintages from late '60s through '75). Remember I haven't had an excellent Champagne from any producer since 1984, though there have been a couple of acceptable kosher ones. In any case, the purity of fruit and perfect balance were the remarkable things about these Dom Ruinarts. Very well priced as well, as I recall.

David M. Bueker wrote:That '96 Krug was one heck of a wine. I've had it three times now, and it's always absolutely fantastic.

Cedric Bouchard wines have always been good, but never really struck me as great.

I have yet to have a Krug I liked.But the Bouchard in the image not only struck me as great Champagne (although I claim no expertise there) but one of the best wines I have ever had.First tasted at a party, I went out the next day and bought all I could afford. Diane and I save it or the big moments in our life. And we both think it exceptional.Best, Jim